Book Review Wednesday: Just My Type by Falon Ballard

It seems like everyone in the book world is obsessed with romance novels nowadays and while they were my bread and butter for a while and I always have my favorites, it's not the genre I gravitate towards immediately anymore. I go into every romance novel with a bit of trepidation because I just find it puts me into a funk. 

I know that doesn't make much sense but it's just the truth; I get sad that I don't have that kind of love or that men in real life are never as good as they are in books.

However, I do get sucked into a good romance every now and again, and Just My Type by Falon Ballard is one of them.

I saw so many people talking about this book over the past few weeks and realized I had an ARC that I never read! *I have so many NetGalley arcs it's hard to keep track sometimes - I should probably find a better system.

Just My Type is Ballard's 2nd novel and I had only heard good things about her first, Lease on Love but haven't read it yet, so I was excited to dive into her sophomore novel.

I was not disappointed and I'm already going to declare this a top 10 book of the year. I read it within a few days and actually stayed up pretty late one night reading it because I just had to finish. That is always the sign of a great book.

Publisher's Summary

Lana Parker is an expert girlfriend. After a disastrous breakup with her high school boyfriend, she's bounced from long-term relationship to long-term relationhip and even works as the dating and relationships columnist for one of Los Angeles's trendiest websites. But when Lana suddenly finds herself single, she's ready to take a break, both personally and professionally. 

That is, until her high school ex, Seth Carson, takes an assignment at Lana's site. Having spent years traveling the world as a freelance journalist, Seth's finally ready to put down roots. Seth and Lana's chemistry is just as combative—and undeniable—as ever and quickly leads to a competition that could shape both of their careers. Pitted against each other by Lana's boss, they are each tasked with writing an article series that goes against their usual dating type: Lana needs to write about being single and staying single, while Seth must learn to settle down and become boyfriend material. Whoever's series is most popular wins a highly coveted dream job. But when the two square off, it's not only their careers on the line—it’s also their hearts.

My Thoughts

I had heard this novel be compared to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and I 100% stand behind that claim.  You have two exes who are competing for the same job and they have to do a list of challenges to declare a winner - it's not the same exact plot but it's similar.

I love a good second chance romance, I love a book about journalists and writing - there was no way I wasn't going to fall head over heels for this book.

I loved Lana so much and felt like she was such a strong, feisty, fun protagonist and I really liked Seth too! I felt he was genuine, funny and he had a bit of brooding going on in some scenes. Their chemistry was off the charts and they were just so sweet, even when they were fighting.

I wasn't a huge fan of the big circle of co-workers that were included in the book because I found it to be confusing and I also thought they seemed too much like characters - they didn't add to the plot, didn't really move the story along and felt too fluffy. 

I felt the same way about Lana's best friend, I can't remember her name, but she seemed too over the top, too obnoxious and not at all real. 

The writing was really good - it was detailed, creative, fun, yet there was a depth to it that you don't get a ton in fluffy romances. I also felt like there were a few subplots about friendship, family, privilege, and growing up. 

It was semi-predictable but honestly, aren't all romances predictable? Either way, it made me so happy yet so sad - I cried a ton, smiled, laughed and had my heart so full at the end. It was such a good book, with a beautiful ending and just so much thought behind every word.

If you love romances, you will adore this book and I honestly think this a great book for people who might not love romances because it was a little more than that.

Just My Type by Falon Ballard was so good and I cannot recommend it enough! 

xoxo
B